Export control comes with many technical terms. This glossary explains the most important ones briefly and clearly – from dual-use good and the catch-all clause to the zero notice.
Goods, software or technology that can be used for both civilian and military purposes. Annex I to EU Regulation 2021/821 is authoritative.
Goods specifically designed for military use. In Germany listed in Part I Section A of the Export List – as opposed to dual-use goods (Section B / EU list).
The code that uniquely classifies a controlled good in the goods list (e.g. 3A001). Category (0–9), product group (A–E) and identifier make up the number.
The European dual-use goods list. It applies uniformly across all EU member states and is updated regularly.
The national German goods list, an annex to the AWV. Part I Section A: military goods; Part I Section B: nationally listed dual-use goods.
Foreign Trade and Payments Act and Ordinance – the national German legal framework for foreign trade and export control.
Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control, based in Eschborn. The central licensing authority for export control in Germany.
A rule under Art. 4 of the EU Dual-Use Regulation: even a non-listed good can require a licence if the exporter is aware of a critical military end-use.
An official ruling by BAFA that a particular good does not require a licence. Provides legal certainty in cases of doubt.
Official permission to export a controlled good. Applied for electronically via BAFA's ELAN-K2 portal and subject to a fee.
A pre-published authorisation for certain goods and destinations (e.g. EU001–EU008) that can be used without an individual application.
A licence for a specific export transaction to a particular recipient.
A licence for regular exports of similar goods to several recipients in one or more countries.
An in-house export-control programme with processes and responsibilities to prevent violations.
A statement by the recipient about the final use and destination of a good – an important piece of evidence in the licensing procedure.
A transfer refers to the movement of goods within the EU, an export to the transfer to a third country outside the EU. The control obligations differ.
Country-related restrictions (embargo) as well as person- and organisation-related lists against which recipients must be screened.
